And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.
And they said, 'We are your servants - twelve brothers, all sons of one man in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is at home with our father today, and one of our brothers is no longer with us.'
The brothers are explaining to Joseph (though they don't recognize him) that they are part of a family of twelve sons, with the youngest at home and one they believe is dead.
📚 Historical Context
Joseph's brothers are standing before him in Egypt during a severe famine, seeking to buy grain. They don't recognize Joseph, who is now a powerful Egyptian official, but he recognizes them. When they say 'one is not,' they're referring to Joseph himself, whom they sold into slavery years earlier and assumed was dead.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.